A book that was part of the recent graphic novel read-a-thon was Little Girls by (among others) Nicholas Aflleje. Along with, Sarah Delaine as the main artist contributor and Sina Grace giving a rave introduction (and I mean rave review: like almost give the whole story away, while making your visual taste buds want to devour the book. Therefore, if you are easily swayed by introductions/reviews do not read the intro first.) a story of two girls in Ethiopia come to life.
Grace also spoke about the artwork. Their ravings about this did color my opinion only slightly. I had browsed the book a few days before deciding to sit down and read Little Girls. I had already seen the combination of realism with an almost surreal element. The colors are bright when needed and dark when not. While lovely pieces of art, they are slightly predictable. The story, too, is a bit predictable. But, like all books, this is a book to experience. Do no rush. Just slowly find the pieces that you love and hate. Some plot-points and needed information are not within the text which makes you wonder, “What is going on?” and “Will this be covered later?” Therefore, this too makes it a book to take slowly and digest.
In many ways this book is a Five; as there’s much going on in a simplistic story with layers. That alone should peak interests as how can a book be simple and layered? The idea of fighting evil is the oldest story told and the girl-power element took an obvious turn, but there is more going on. The hyenas and lions are fighting, the people are dying, and nobody believes that supernatural powers are involved. Part mystery, thriller and even a bit of gothic-horror, this is was not in my top 10 favorites, but something I am glad to have read.